The theme of this year's World Social Work Day (15 March) is co-building a new eco-social world – a world which leaves no one behind. The theme presents a vision and action plan for new global values, policies and practices that develop trust, security and confidence for people and the sustainability of the planet. A global summit will be held from 29 June until 2 July that will bring together individuals and communities, people of lived experiences, and organisations, to co-build conversations on the creation of shared values for a new eco-social world. Find out more.
Over the month of March a number of events will be held in celebration of World Social Work. The Scottish Association of Social Work is hosting an event on 22 March to explore the experiences of refugees and people with insecure immigration status, particularly those trying to escape abuse. How can social workers effectively support people in these situations, especially when they have No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF)?
A full programme of World Social Work Month events is available on the BASW website.
Recently we explored the role of social work in the environment and climate change agenda. Dr Heather Lynch at Glasgow Caledonian University interviewed a number of people to get their views: Sian McKinnon, a social worker and climate activist; TzeYeng Ng, a recently qualified social worker; and Professor Susan Kemp who provides insight from an international perspective.
And what is the impact of the climate emergency on disabled people and how do they have their voices heard? Michael McEwan speaks with Susie Fitton, Policy Officer at Inclusion Scotland about the impacts of climate change on disabled people, the challenges, and what needs to happen to make sure disabled people are included as decision makers.
Celebration of World Social Work Month is also a good opportunity to highlight the new MSc in Disaster Interventions and Humanitarian Aid which is being led by Professor Lena Dominelli at the University of Stirling. We had a chat with her about why this matters and what it means for social work. Lena also shares her hopes for the future of the social work profession.
